Issues

Economic Opportunity Issues

The Great Recession has left one in seven Americans living in poverty and the unemployment rate hovering at more than 9 percent. But even before the recession began, a lack of stable, well-paying jobs combined with the rising costs of raising a family, left low- and middle-income workers struggling to make ends meet. To address this issue, some experts and advocates have pointed to the need for an increase in the minimum wage and changes in tax policy, including an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Others suggest that new job creation policies are the best way to build a bridge to the middle class for low-income families. Still others promote tax cuts for business as a vehicle to encourage corporate expansion and demand for employees. This Economic Opportunity section includes a focus on two key areas: pathways to employment and access to benefits and work supports.